Water Supply Announces Top Finishers in its 8th Annual Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest

Water Supply Announces Top Finishers in its 8^th Annual Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest

HAWAIʻI ISLAND – The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, is pleased to announce the top artists selected among the nearly 400 Hawai‘i Island students who entered its 8^th Annual Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest.

Open to K-6 students, this year’s contest featured the theme “Make Every Drop Count” to emphasize the importance of conserving drinking water, which is connected to DWS’ mission to provide customers with an adequate and continuous supply of safe drinking water in a financially responsible manner.  Poster entries were judged based on creativity, originality, and depiction of the theme.  The top finishers from each grade level were awarded prizes and recognized for their exemplary artwork.  DWS extends its appreciation to all the students and their teachers for learning about water conservation and taking the time to participate in DWS’ contest.

Please visit www.hawaiidws.org/dws-water-conservation-poster-contest-2026/ to view all the poster entries.  The top finishers’ posters are on public display through June 30 at the County’s Aupuni Center, located at 101 Pauahi Street in Hilo.  Congratulations to the following keiki for sharing their amazing artworks:

Kindergarten:                                                                          

1^st Place:         John Olson, Homeschooler

Parent:  Patricia Olson

1^st Grade:

1^st Place:         Elina Pyhala, Homeschooler

Parent:  Leona Pyhala

2^nd Place:        Taylor Jean Rapozo, Kanu o ka ʻĀina New Century Charter School

Teacher:  Hayden Atkins

3^rd Place:        Atlas Van Brunt, Innovations Public Charter School

Teacher:  Corey Cherry

2^nd Grade:

1^st Place:         Kaliho Kitahara, Homeschooler

Parent:  Makanui Kitahara

2^nd Place:        Malulani Taketa, E.B. deSilva Elementary School

Teacher:  Coty Miguel

3^rd Place:        Emi Miyashiro, E.B. deSilva Elementary School

Teacher:  Brittany Kodama

3^rd Grade:

1^st Place:         Aria Sofio, E.B. deSilva Elementary School

Teacher:  Kristen Doolittle

2^nd Place:        Braxtyn Victorino, Kea‘au Elementary School

                        Teacher:  Anna Maneja

3^rd Place:        Halia Aiu-Horie-Akui, Kea‘au Elementary School

Teachers:  Cheryl Yoshioka, Aysha Spencer

4^th Grade:

1^st Place:         Parker-Jean Hashimoto, E.B. deSilva Elementary School

                        Teacher:  Tracie Yamashita

2^nd Place:        Chloe Tagalicud, Kea‘au Elementary School

Teacher:  Amanda Muñoz

3^rd Place:        Callen Ginoza, E.B. deSilva Elementary School

Teacher:  Jaimie Himalaya

5^th Grade:

1^st Place:         Emi Kobayashi, Waiākeawaena Elementary School

Teacher:  Lane Matsuura

2^nd Place:        Emily Creekmur, Waiākeawaena Elementary School

                        Teacher:  Lane Matsuura

3^rd Place:        Quentin Bassett, Waiākeawaena Elementary School

Teacher:  Lane Matsuura

6^th Grade:

1^st Place:         Tylee Adele Rapozo, Kanu o ka ʻĀina New Century Charter School

                        Teacher:  Hayden Atkins